The flick shot is one of cricket’s most elegant yet challenging shots. Mastering this shot requires precise timing and wrist work.
Here are the top 10 cricketers who have excelled in playing the flick shot:
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Steve Smith
Renowned for his unorthodox style, Steve Smith utilizes the flick shot effectively in Test cricket. His ability to pick length early and flick deliveries from middle and leg stump with supreme wrist control has made him a formidable batsman, especially against spinners.
Sanath Jayasuriya
The aggressive Sri Lankan opener was not just a power hitter but also a master of the flick shot. His quick wrists and strong bottom hand allowed him to dispatch deliveries on the leg side effortlessly, contributing significantly to Sri Lanka’s success in both Tests and ODIs.
Virat Kohli
Modern-day great known for his wristy play, Virat Kohli uses the flick shot to dominate on the leg side. With impeccable timing and a strong bottom-hand grip, Kohli maneuvers deliveries aimed at his pads with finesse, often turning them into boundary-scoring opportunities in all formats of the game.
VVS Laxman
Famous for his ‘leg glance,’ VVS Laxman also mastered the flick shot, notably in his epic 281 against Australia. His ability to redirect deliveries angling into his pads towards the fine leg region with delicate touch and precise timing was crucial in many of his match-winning innings for India.
Adam Gilchrist
The dynamic wicket-keeper batter revolutionized batting with his aggressive flicks. Gilchrist’s lightning-quick reflexes and powerful bottom-hand flick shot were instrumental in counter-attacking against both pace and spin, making him a feared batsman in all conditions.
Mohammad Azharuddin
Elegant wristy player known for his mastery of the flick shot against top bowlers. Azharuddin’s graceful technique allowed him to effortlessly whip deliveries off his pads, often surprising bowlers with the speed and placement of his flicks, showcasing his impeccable timing and control.
Sachin Tendulkar
Cricket legend adept at flicking deliveries on and off stumps, in addition to straight drives. Sachin Tendulkar’s ability to flick even the fastest deliveries from the middle and off stump to the leg side with precision and power was a testament to his incredible hand-eye coordination and batting mastery.
Rahul Dravid
Known for his strong defense, Rahul Dravid’s wrist strength made him effective with the flick shot. Dravid’s ability to adjust to different pitches and bowlers allowed him to pick up the length early and whip deliveries off his pads, often rotating the strike with calculated flick shots during his marathon innings.
Kevin Pietersen
Dominated subcontinent conditions with his lower stance and powerful flick shots. Kevin Pietersen’s aggressive approach and strong bottom-hand grip made him a dominant force on turning tracks, where he frequently used the flick shot to counter spinners and score briskly through the leg side.
Babar Azam
Pakistan captain excels with wristy technique, making the flick shot a key part of his batting. Babar Azam’s smooth bat swing and exceptional timing allow him to play the flick shot with ease, using his wrists to generate power and placement, making him a consistent run-getter across formats.
These cricketers have showcased exceptional skill with the flick shot, making it a crucial part of their run-scoring arsenal.
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